JNTO FamTrip 2015: Shodoshima

In late September and early October, Unique Japan Tours joined a familiarization trip organised by the Japan National Tourist Organisation. The purpose of these trips is to introduce new, unique places in Japan to promote trips there. The familiarization trip (or "famtrip") we joined took us from Okayama and Kurashiki, down into Tokushima, to Shodoshima and finally to Himeji.

Of course, we knew most of these places already, and we've sent many of our clients to these places to. But we always want to learn more, look deeper and see what's new and exciting. Over the next few blog posts, we're going to explore the areas we visited, introduce them to you, and share some of our pictures.

Today is part three, where we spent the day on Shodoshima Island.

JNTO Familiarization Trip 2015

In late September and early October, Unique Japan Tours joined a familiarization trip organised by the Japan National Tourist Organisation. The purpose of these trips is to introduce new, unique places in Japan to promote trips there. The familiarization trip (or "famtrip") we joined took us from Okayama and Kurashiki, down into Tokushima, to Shodoshima and finally to Himeji. 

Of course, we knew most of these places already, and we've sent many of our clients to these places to. But we always want to learn more, look deeper and see what's new and exciting. Over the next few blog posts, we're going to explore the areas we visited, introduce them to you, and share our pictures.

Today, we're just going to give a brief overview of the tour. First off, we'd like to extend our sincerest thanks to the JNTO for organizing and inviting us on this FamTrip. It was a lovely trip, we enjoyed it, and most importantly, we learned a lot and can't wait to incorporate it into our tours!

Cities of Japan - Takayama

Unique Japan Tours loves Takayama. It's a beautiful city, located high in the Hida mountains (hence why it's sometimes called Hida-Takayama). After the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo, Takayama is a welcome reprieve. A merchant city famed for it's timber and carpenters, the city thrived under the direct control of the Shogun during the feudal period of Japan's history. But what is it like now?

The beautiful streets of Takayamal
Source: JNTO

Autumn Foods in Japan

Autumn is one of our favourite seasons to eat in Japan. Sanma, the long, sleek fish (pacific saury in English), grilled with salt. The crisp skin cracks under the pressure from your chop stick, and you come away with this delicious, moist, dark piece of fish meat that tastes right in every way.

Grilled sanma, an Autumn delicacy.
Source: https://flic.kr/p/71XHGi 

Fruit harvests are also abundant in autumn. Japanese apples and pears are juicy and crisp, and persimmons are also starting to appear on trees and in the shops. The waxy skin of the persimmon hides a soft, orange flesh, similar to a peach or ripe pear, but tasting like neither.

Japanese sweet potato, satsumaimo, is another autumn favourite. Slow roasted over hot stones, the soft, baked potato texture, combined with the golden yellow flesh just demands a dab of butter. Don’t forget to pick up some roasted chestnuts while you’re out and about from the plentiful street stalls you will come across on our Japan Discovered Tour.

Daigakuimo, fried Japanese sweet potato coated with sugar.
https://flic.kr/p/gHYCmc

Shinmai (new rice) is the first crop of rice to be harvested in the year and is said to have subtle taste and texture differences. Some say this rice is moister, a little plumper and sweeter than regular rice.
Finally, autumn is the season for matutake. Matsutake is one of the most sought after mushrooms in the world, due to its unique spicy aroma and flavour. Highly prized in both Japanese and Chinese cuisine, one kilo of matsutake can cost up to €1,800 for the early season, highest grade mushrooms.

Matsutake mushrooms on sale in Kanazawa.
Source: https://flic.kr/p/aGVHcg

To experience this world class cuisine during one of the best times to see Japan, join our October 28th Japan Discovered Small Group Tour, or, if small groups are not for you, contact us for a tailor made self guided adventure.

Reflections on a trip to Japan

     Recently, one of our staff here at Unique Japan Tours, returned to Japan for his first trip since moving home. He spent two weeks there, and we've asked him to share some of his thoughts on his trip. Thoughts about Japan, life there and the country in general. So, without further ado, here is Patrick, sharing his reflections on Japan.

Interactive Tokyo Map: The Best Tokyo Sightseeing Spots

     Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the largest metropolises in the world. If you're visiting Japan, you're likely to fly into this magnificent city. We often recommend to our clients that they spend a few days in Tokyo, and explore the city as much as possible. There's so many places to go that it's hard to figure out where is best to go though.

Sue in Japan: Follow our client

We love sharing stories of our clients with you. Usually, these stories take the form of a testimonial, sent to us after the tour is completed. But this time we have something different for you!

Japanese New Year - New Year in Japan

With the Christmas holiday season coming to a close, we are approaching the close of the year and the celebration that entails. Where as Christmas in Japan is more of an excuse for couples to have another date, New Years (know in Japan as shougatsu or 正月) is more important. What does New Years look like in Japan? Read on to find out more!